Hazleton UNICO honors, remembers veterans in ceremony during festival
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The American Legion honor guard performs a three-volley salute during Saturday's Veterans Ceremony at Hazle Township Community Park.
HAZLE TWP. – The Hazleton Chapter of UNICO National took time during their annual Bell’ Italia Festival at Hazle Township Community Park to recognize and honor veterans, including remembering one of their own.
The ceremony took place Saturday afternoon at the park’s stage and is a regular feature of the festival.
This year, though, organizers held the ceremony in memory of Joe Cerullo, who passed away a few weeks ago.
“The motto of our club is ‘service above self’ and obviously the men and women who have served embody that more than anybody and Joe Cerullo was definitely one of them, not only for our country as a veteran but also as a UNICO member,” Mike DeCosmo said. “Joe really took me in as a father figure. I had never met a guy who cared so much about his community and instilling that Italian heritage.”
“This entire festival that we’re able to enjoy and the service that we are doing in grateful thanks to our service people, both living and dead, this would not have been possible if it were not for Joe Cerullo,” Dan DeMelfi, UNICO board member, said. He said when the festival was in its formative years, it did not gain traction until Cerullo offered his support.
Saturday’s service was preceded by the recitation of the Pledge Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem by local children, and members of the Hazleton American Legion were on hand with their Honor Guard.
The service was one of several events during the 15th edition of the Bell’ Italia Saturday, and the festival continues Sunday from 10am to 6pm at Hazle Township Community Park.
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